Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut as Naomi Howard, S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin
Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut was just as surprised as Us by the Chicago Med season 10 midseason finale — and teased Sharon Goodwin’s fate will be shown during the winter premiere.
“All answers will be revealed,” Chestnut, 32, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting her OWN holiday movie, Mistletoe & Matrimony, which premiered on December 14.
The actress, who plays Dr. Naomi Howard on Chicago Med, noted that viewers will definitely find out what happened to Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) during the show’s Wednesday, January 8, return.
During the midseason finale, which aired on November 20, Goodwin learned who her stalker was when she was cornered by her in the office. During their altercation, Goodwin was stabbed and began bleeding out. However, she made one last effort to get free after hearing Dr. Dean Archer (Steven Weber) outside her office door.
As the elevator door began to close, Archer saw a bloodied Goodwin run out of the room and scream for help as the assailant came up behind her. The episode ended with Archer trying to go back up to help his longtime friend and boss.
“When I was reading it, I was like, ‘Oh no, what’s gonna happen?’” Chestnut recalled to Us of learning about Goodwin’s traumatic moments in the episode. “I’m literally on the edge of my seat asking for advanced copies of scripts and they’re like, ‘No.’”
Even though Chestnut didn’t get to see the scripts early, she told Us they were already shooting episode 14, so she knows what transpires. “All answers will be revealed soon,” she reiterated.
The TV star further teased, “There’s a lot more of Naomi in what that looks like. I’m trying to be vague, but there’s a lot more Naomi.”
Chestnut played coy about how Naomi might be involved in Goodwin’s story line but explained that her character will get more screen time the second half of the season. (Chestnut joined as student doctor Naomi at the end of season 9 and has since become a recurring character.)
“I can tease [that] there will be some actual drama that Naomi gets involved with other characters outside of Dr. Archer and Dr. Lenox (Sarah Ramos),” she said. “That’s who Naomi’s, like, go-to people are, [but] there’ll be some drama outside of those two.”
Since becoming part of the ED, Naomi has worked closely with both Archer and Lenox, who split the duties of running the emergency department until the midseason finale. At that point, Goodwin appointed Lenox (who was new to their staff this year) as the sole leader.
The staffing switch is what led Archer to come up to Goodwin’s office during the November episode as he planned to resign.
Naomi, for her part, has been put in the middle of Lenox and Archer all season as they butted heads over how to successfully run the ED. According to Chestnut, that push and pull won’t completely go away when the show returns.
“I am between Lenox and Dr. Archer [still]. There’s a little bit more of that,” she shared. “And you’ll see a little bit more of the relationship between Dr. Lenox and Naomi.”
Season 10 of Chicago Med returns on NBC Wednesday, January 8, at 8 p.m. ET.
Tori Spelling confessed giving her four eldest children free reign over their Elf of the Shelf activities this year resulted in a few NSFW moments.
“I like to do very creative things,” Spelling, 51, said on the Monday, December 23, episode of her “MisSpelling” podcast. “I always say our elves are a little naughty. They’re mischievous. … But my kids went next level.”
The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum explained that she asked her kids Liam, 17, Stella, 16, Hattie, 13, and Finn, 12, to trade off setting up the holiday elves for their youngest brother, Beau, 7.
While she said her daughters were “very creative” and “very artsy” with their choices, the boys took it up a notch.
“The boys do it and they’re like, ‘Sex, love and rock and roll, minus the love,’” Spelling said with a laugh.
She recalled one specific incident when Liam was in charge that left her shocked. When she woke up one morning, Beau told her there was a “problem” and the elves needed “help” so she investigated.
“I walk into the kitchen and the elves are there and there’s some porn massacre going on there. It was like Elfie Does Dallas,” Spelling quipped, referring to the 1978 pornographic movie Debbie Does Dallas.
Tori Spelling, Liam McDermott.
The actress, who shares her children with ex-husband Dean McDermott, said she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“The elves were all doing various things to each other,” she explained, noting there are four elves and a reindeer. “Mouths on different areas. Hands where they shouldn’t be. Some were upside down, all around.”
Spelling said the scene also included “beef sticks and cheese sticks pulled out of the refrigerator for school snacks” as well as ranch dressing and oil from the kitchen. “It was like OnlyElves,” she chuckled, comparing it to the online subscription service OnlyFans.
The Troop Beverly Hills star admitted she instantly knew Liam was the culprit. “It’s funny. I’m not going to lie, I laughed. But it was like, ‘Wow,’” she said.
After Beau told her that the elves had “real problems,” she replied, “Yeah, big sex addictions.” Spelling laughed as she recounted the experience, calling it “crazy.”
Although Spelling told Liam and the rest of her brood to “cut back on the dirtiness,” the wholesome Elf on the Shelf experience didn’t last long.
“There were some cute ones in between. Like, ‘Oh, they’re taking a marshmallow, chocolate bomb bath.’ Marshmallows and hot chocolate. It’s cute,” Spelling said, but when it circled back to Liam she got another wild scene.
She remembered coming downstairs and seeing the elves “all in a circle” with the reindeer in the middle. “I was like, ‘Oh man, Liam you’re a jerk.’”
When it comes to Finn’s prank with the elves, Spelling recalled him putting the reindeer in a skillet and asking, “How do you like your reindeer? Rare, medium or well done?” He later tried to “pull out the cheese grater” to “shred their clothes,” but Spelling shut it down.
She teased that “poor Beau” has seen a lot this year with the Elf of the Shelf but insisted he’s OK.
Hallmark, Great American Family, Netflix, Lifetime and more networks expanded their holiday movie catalog this season — and Us has the full list for every festive fan.
Both Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” lineup and Great American Family’s “Great American Christmas” kicked off the season in October. With the addition of the Hallmark Mystery channel and the new streaming service Hallmark+, the network produced 47 all-new features in time for Christmas.
Netflix, meanwhile, lured a few Hallmark favorites with its holiday slate, including Lacey Chabert for Hot Frosty and Chad Michael Murray for The Merry Gentlemen.
Ian Harding pulled double duty this season starring alongside Lindsay Lohan in Netflix’s Our Little Secret and Hallmark+’s first Christmas TV series, Holidazed. (No, it doesn’t count as a holiday movie, but it’s still a lot of holiday cheer for one actor.)
Lifetime, meanwhile, had fresh winter-filled movies beginning in November, including The HolidayJunkie with real-life couple Jennifer Love Hewitt and Brian Hallisay. Add in Hulu, BET+ and OWN’s features and there are more than 100 movies to watch.
Scroll down for Us’ complete guide to every holiday movie on TV this year:
October
Saturday, October 12
Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons, starring Kristin Wollett and Casey Elliott (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Friday, October 18
‘Twas the Date Before Christmas, starring Robert Buckley and Amy Groening (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Saturday, October 19
A Vintage Christmas, starring Christopher Russell and Merritt Patterson (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Holiday Crashers, starring Lyndsy Fonseca, Daniella Monet, Chris McNally and Jag Bal (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Sunday, October 20
Scouting for Christmas, starring Tamera Mowry-Housley, Carlo Marks and Marci T. House (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Thursday, October 24
This Time Each Year, starring Alison Sweeney and Niall Matter (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
Friday, October 25
Operation Nutcracker, starring Ashley Newbrough and Christopher Russell (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET. — was on streaming last year)
Saturday, October 26
A Christmas Castle Proposal, starring Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
The Christmas Charade, starring Rachel Skarsten and Corey Sevier (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Sunday, October 27
The 5-Year Christmas Party, starring Katie Findlay and Jordan Fisher (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET)
Thursday, October 31
My Sweet Austrian Holiday, starring Brittany Bristow and Will Kemp (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
November
Friday, November 1
A Carol for Two, starring Ginna Claire Mason, Jordan Litz and Charlotte D’amboise (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Christmas on the Ranch, starring Jade Harlow and Houston Rhines (Hulu)
Saturday, November 2
Tails of Christmas, starring Eric Guilmette and Ash Tsai (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Our Holiday Story, starring Nikki DeLoach and Warren Christie (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Country Roads Christmas, starring Lanie McAuley, Bo Yokely and Balley Chase (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
Holiday Mismatch, starring Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Wednesday, November 6
Meet Me Next Christmas, starring Christina Milian, Kofi Siriboe, Kalen Allen, Devale Ellis and Pentatonix (Netflix)
Thursday, November 7
A Christmas Miracle, starring Noree Victoria, Blue Kimble, Victoria Rowell, Nadia Simms, Aaron D. Spears, Marc Jones, Javon Johnson, Cayen Martin, Tiffany M. Show, Kenneth Okolie, Addie “The Bam” Benson, Michelle Lamb, Lennox Simms, Cayen Martin, Christopher A. Nolen (BET+)
Five Gold Rings, starring Holland Roden and Nolan Gerard Funk (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle, starring Natalie Hall and Alex Santos (Hallmark+)
Friday, November 8
Trivia at St. Nick’s, starring Tammin Sursok and Brant Daugherty (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Saturday, November 9
The Case of the Christmas Diamond, starring William Baldwin, Kelly Daly and Dey Young (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
A Royal Christmas Ballet, starring Brittany Underwood and Jonathan Stoddard (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Santa Tell Me, starring Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Benjamin Ayres, Christopher Russell and Kurt Szarka (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Sunday, November 10
Christmas in Rockwell, starring Trish Stratus, Stephen Huszar and Sheila McCarthy (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
‘Tis the Season to Be Irish, starring Fiona Gubelmann and Eoin Macken (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Wednesday, November 13
Hot Frosty, starring Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly and Chrishell Stause (Netflix)
Thursday, November 14
A Reason for the Season, starring Taylor Cole and Kevin McGarry (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
Style Me for Christmas, starring Raven Goodwin, Pretty Vee and Mario (BET+)
Unwrapping Christmas: Mia’s Prince, starring Kathryn Davis and Nathan Witte (Hallmark+)
Friday, November 15
Christmas With the Singhs, starring Anuja Joshi and Ben Hollingsworth (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
An Almost Christmas Story (animated), starring Cary Christopher, Estella Madrigal, Jim Gaffigan, Natasha Lyonne and John C. Reilly (Disney+)
The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (animated), starring Gerard Butler, Emilia Clarke and Simone Ashley (Prime Video and Hulu)
Saturday, November 16
Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays, starring Vivica A. Fox, Sara Bell and Noah Fearnley (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
A Christmas Less Traveled, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Eric Johnson (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Christmas at Plumhill Manor, starring Maria Menounos and Kyle Pryor (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Jingle Bell Run, starring Ashley Williams and Andrew Walker (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Sunday, November 17
A Very English Christmas, starring Kimberly Nixon, Poppy Gilbert and Lewis Griffiths (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
A Christmas Quilt, starring Harmon Walsh and Ferelith Young (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Confessions of a Christmas Letter, starring Angela Kinsey and Alec Santos (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Holiday in Happy Hollow, starring Tamara Almeida and Cody Ray Thompson (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Monday, November 18
Jingle Bell Love, starring Joey McIntyre, Michelle Morgan, Yanna McIntosh, Delia Chambers and Al Goulem (The Roku Channel)
Wednesday, November 20
The Merry Gentlemen, starring Chad Michael Murray, Britt Robertson, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes and Marc Anthony Samuel (Netflix)
Thursday, November 21
A Novel Noel, starring Julie Gonzalo and Brendan Penny (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
Nugget Is Dead? A Christmas Story, starring Vic Zerbst (CBS at 8 p.m. ET.)
Christmas on Call, starring Sara Canning and Ser’Darius Blain (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Saturday, November 23
The Search for Secret Santa, starring Skye Coyne, Alex Trumble and Jackée Harry (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
A Little Women’s Christmas, starring Jillian Murray, Jen Lilley, Laura Osnes, Julia Reilly, Trevor Donovan and Jesse Hutch (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Christmas in the Spotlight, starring Jessica Lord, Laith Wallschleger, Jeannie Mai and Haley Kalil (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Three Wiser Men and a Boy, starring Paul Campbell, Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Margaret Colin (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Sunday, November 24
Festival of Trees, starring Kate Miner, Greg Perrow and Josie Davis (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
Christmas by Candlelight, starring Erin Agostino and Harmon Walsh (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Sincerely, Truly Christmas, starring Paula Brancati, Jake Epstein and Howard Hoover (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
To Have and To Holiday, starring Madeleine Arthur, Robert Bazzocchi and Eric Close (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Wednesday, November 27
Christmas Under the Lights, starring Heather Hemmens and Marco Grazzini (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
Our Little Secret, starring Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell and Kristin Chenoweth (Netflix)
Thursday, November 28
Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle, starring Rachel Boston, Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes, Tanner Novlan, Matthew James Dowden and Max Lloyd-Jones (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Momma Said Come Home for Christmas, starring K.D. Aubert (ALLBLK)
The Day Before Christmas, starring Tristan Wilds, Candace Maxwell, Finn Maloney, Ava Marie Threat, Gerard Catus, Palmer Williams Jr. and more (BET+)
A ‘90s Christmas, starring Eva Bourne, Chandler Massey and Katherine Barrell (Hallmark Channel at 6 p.m. ET.)
A Cinderella Christmas Ball, starring Danica McKellar and Oliver Rice (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Deck the Walls, starring Ashley Greene, Wes Brown and Danny Pellegrino (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Nutcrackers, starring Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker and more (Hulu)
Saturday, November 30
Believe in Christmas, starring Meghan Ory and John Reardon (Hallmark Channel at 6 p.m. ET.)
A Prince and Pauper Christmas, starring Brittany Underwood, Jonathan Stoddard and Tom Arnold (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
BeBe Winans’ We Three Kings, starring BeBe Winans, Bethany Brown, Lisa Berry, Faith Wright, Romeo Miller and Deborah Joy Winans (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, starring Hunter King, Tyler Hynes and Ed Begley Jr. (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
December
Sunday, December 1
The Finnish Line, starring Kim Matula, Beau Mirchoff and Nichole Sakura (Hallmark Channel at 6 p.m. ET.)
A Bluegrass Christmas, starring Amanda Jordan, David Pinard and Shaun Johnston (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
Home Sweet Christmas, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Make or Bake Christmas, starring Vivica A. Fox, Jackée Harry, Jasmine Aivaliotis, Landon Moss and Corin Nemec (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
The Christmas Quest, starring Lacey Chabert and Kristoffer Polaha (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Wednesday, December 4
That Christmas, starring Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Lolly Adefope and more (Netflix)
Thursday, December 5
A Dance in the Snow, starring Erica Cerra, Mark Ghanimé, Vanessa Burghardt and Dorian Giordano (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
Brewster’s Millions: Christmas, starring China Anne McClain, Romeo Miller, Sierra McClain, Rain Pryor, Lonette McKee, Richard Pryor Jr. and more (BET+)
Season’s Greetings From Cherry Lane, starring Jonathan Bennett, Annabelle Bourke, Corey Cott, Sarah Dugdale, Shannon Kook and Vincent Rodriguez III (Hallmark+)
Friday, December 6
Private Princess Christmas, starring Ali Skovbye, Derek Klena and Erica Durance (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Nochebuena, starring Rene Rosado, Tanairi Sade Vazquez, Carmen Morales and Rose Bianco (aspireTV at 9 p.m. ET.)
Saturday, December 7
A Very Merry Beauty Salon, starring Tia Mowry, RonReaco Lee, Donna Biscoe, Cocoa Brown and Ashli Auguillard (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Once Upon a Christmas Wish, starring Mario Lopez and Courtney Lopez (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Sugarplummed, starring Maggie Lawson and Janel Parrish (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
A Season to Remember, starring Michele Weaver and Nathan Owens (OWN at 9 p.m. ET.)
Sunday, December 8
12 Dares of Christmas, starring Brittany Underwood, Sean Yves Lessard and Marnie Mahannah (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
How to Fall in Love by Christmas, starring Teri Hatcher and Dan Payne (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Leah’s Perfect Gift, starring Emily Arlook, Evan Roderick and Barbara Niven (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
The Primrose Railway Children, starring Kevin McKidd (BYUtv at 9:15 p.m. ET.)
Thursday, December 12
All I Need for Christmas, starring Mallory Jansen and Dan Jeannotte (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
Happy Holidays From Cherry Lane, starring Benjamin Ayres, Catherine Bell, James Denton, Erica Durance, Julie Gonzalo and Ryan Rottman (Hallmark+)
Too Many Christmases, starring Denzel Whitaker, Porscha Coleman, Jackée Harry, Michael Colyar, Valarie Pettiford, Adele Givens and more (BET+)
Friday, December 13
Hanukkah on the Rocks, starring Stacey Farber, Daren Kagasoff and Marc Summers (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
A Sudden Case of Christmas, starring Antonella Rose, Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell and Wilmer Valderrama (Hulu)
The Chelsea Detective Christmas Special, starring Adrian Scarborough (Acorn TV)
Thursday, December 19
Trading Up Christmas, starring Italia Ricci and Michael Xavier (Hallmark Mystery at 8 p.m. ET.)
Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane, starring John Brotherton, Erin Cahill, Brooke D’Orsay, Chelsea Hobbs, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sam Page and Matt Dusk (Hallmark+)
Queens of Christmas, starring Terri J. Vaughn, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Essence Atkins, Hannah Whitley, Tyler Whitley and more (BET+)
Saturday, December 21
A Country Music Christmas, starring Alexandra Harris and Jonathan Stoddard (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
A Carpenter Christmas Romance, starring Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Happy Howlidays, starring Jessica Lowndes and Finding Mr. Christmas winner (Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET.)
Get Him Back for Christmas, starring Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
24-Karat Christmas, starring Samantha Marie Ware and Curtis Hamilton (OWN at 9 p.m. ET.)
Sunday, December 22
North by North Pole: A Dial S Mystery, starring Abby Ross, Joey Scarpellino and Andrea Reindel (UPtv at 7 p.m. ET.)
Coupled Up for Christmas, starring Sara Canning and Marcus Rosner (Great American Family at 8 p.m. ET.)
Engaged by Christmas, starring Brittany Bristow and Marcus Rosner (Lifetime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Wednesday, December 25
Blended Christmas, starring Jennifer Freeman, Anthony Dalton, Dream Doll and Victoria Rowell (BET+)
PK Kemsley is setting the record straight on his sobriety journey after his estranged wife, Dorit Kemsley, claimed his drinking contributed to their separation.
“I was shocked, disappointed, and upset at what Dorit had to say,” PK, 57, confessed during the Tuesday, December 24, episode of Bravo’s “Hot Mic” podcast. “First of all, I’m really proud and public about my sobriety, and I’m 12 months in two weeks.”
PK noted that he’s had a “very emotional, tough journey” to get sober, so it surprised him that Dorit, 48, took a jab at that part of his life during the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14 premiere, which aired in September.
During the episode, Dorit broke the news to her castmates that she and PK had separated after nine years of marriage. (Dorit, who shares kids Jagger, 10, and Phoenix, 8, with PK, publicly revealed the news in May.)
She also alleged that PK was “pouring alcohol on his” problems within their marriage before they parted ways. “It got very very very toxic,” Dori told Erika Jayne, claiming that PK was a “full-blown alcoholic.”
PK denied the allegations on Tuesday explaining that people “don’t necessarily realize how this disease has got you until you work out that you actually have this disease, and many people unfortunately don’t work it out and don’t get better.”
He noted that as you get older, alcoholism “becomes progressive” and it gets worse, which Dorit couldn’t comprehend since she never struggled with the illness.
“Dorit’s lack of understanding about sobriety is not her fault,” PK said. “She hasn’t invested in it, and it’s not something — she hasn’t worked a program and hasn’t done what I’ve done.”
He revealed, “There is no fully blown alcoholic. You’re either an alcoholic or you’re not.”
Despite not liking what Dorit called him on RHOBH, he confessed his alcoholism did have “an element of responsibility in relation to the breakdown of our marriage.” He further claimed it was “just a component” not the only cause.
“The truth is, if you understand the disease, alcoholism is a symptom. It’s not a cause,” PK continued. “So the reality is you have to get to what the cause was underneath. So it’s just not as simple as to say, ‘He was a fully blown alcoholic. That’s why we’re separated.’”
Dorit and PK’s marriage woes have been highlighted on RHOBH for several seasons, but during the season 13 reunion, which aired in February, she revealed that PK was in fact sober. However, their union broke down in the months that followed.
Paul ‘PK’ Kemsley and Dorit Kemsley.
During the season 14 premiere she said there was “no catastrophic event” that caused the eventual separation.
Dorit later teased what’s to come on the season, exclusively telling Us Weekly in November, “Things don’t stay amicable between PK and I, and it was a big shock to me.” She noted when they filmed, they had “just separated,” so fans will see “that journey” from start to finish.
PK agreed with his estranged wife, explaining on the podcast that he can tell how “unhappy” and “emotionally distraught” she was when watching the episodes back.
That being said, PK confessed he didn’t like how Dorit claimed she “stood by me” during bankruptcies, gambling debts and DUIs.
“The bankruptcy and all the gambling debts were well before I met her,” he told listeners. “I’ve recovered from everything. I haven’t gambled since 2008. I don’t drink. Do you know what I mean? The bankruptcy was 2010, 2009 during the credit crunch. All of that was past history.”
PK added that seeing Dorit talk about the “darkest times in my life” has been “difficult to watch.”
“I’m in full blown recovery. That’s the term: ‘full blown.’ That’s where it should be used,” he quipped. “I’m [in] full blown recovery, so it is tough to watch. It is a period in time and it brings a lot back.”
PK insisted he’s “not angry” but he did “struggle” with the season 14 premiere. “I never thought that us two, who are the tightest couple in the f—ing world, would ever be in a position where I’m watching this woman I love, the mother of my kids talking negatively about me on a TV show. It’s just unusual. It’s an unusual concept.”
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET and streams the next day on Peacock.
Every year, fans watch their favorite holiday films on repeat — including It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone — but whatever happened to the kids who starred in the iconic movies?
While the leads often get all the love — like Tim Allen as Santa Claus/Scott Calvin in The Santa Clause trilogy — the cute child stars that accompany them help make the movies feel warmer and fuzzier.
Love Actually, for example, has a ton of major adult actors such as Liam Neeson and Keira Knightley, but for many, it’s Neeson’s character’s stepson, Sam, who steals the show. Nearly a decade after the British rom-com hit theaters in 2003, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played Sam, still gets recognized for his adorable role.
“I don’t think Love Actually is going to go anywhere. I think I’ll forever be known as the cute little kid from Love Actually,” Brodie-Sangster told Mr. Porter in an interview published in February 2021. “I don’t mind that, that’s fine.”
Culkin portrayed Kevin McCallister in both Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. He went on to star in The Good Son, Richie Rich and Saved! The former child star had a recurring role on Kings, Robot Chicken and The Jim Gaffigan Show before returning to film in 2019’s Changeland. He played Mickey on season 10 of American Horror Story in 2021, marking his first big TV role since 2016. Culkin launched the comedy brand Bunny Ears in 2017, which includes a website, podcast and video content. In December 2023, he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The New York native began dating Brenda Song in June 2017. The couple welcomed their first child, son Dakota, in April 2021. Us confirmed in January 2022 that the pair were engaged after four years together. In March 2023, Us broke the news that the duo quietly welcomed baby No. 2, son Carson, several months prior.
Lloyd played Scott Calvin/Santa Claus’ son, Charlie, in all three Santa Clause films, which hit theaters in 1994, 2002 and 2006. He went on to star in Dunston Checks In, Deconstructing Harry, My Giant, Luminous Motion and Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2. The California native portrayed Little John Warner on Jesse from 1998 to 2000. Lloyd stepped behind the camera in 2017 and began working as a sound designer in Hollywood. His projects include 2020’s Frennemis Jurés, Sisters and the short film Grandpa: The Horror. In 2022, Lloyd reunited with Allen for an episode of The Santa Clauses.
Billingsley’s name became synonymous with the holidays after dressing up in a pink bunny suit as Ralphie in 1983’s A Christmas Story. The New York native has since starred in Russkies, Beverly Hills Brats, The Break-Up, Iron Man, A Case of You and Spider-Man: Far From Home. The Sherman Oaks alum is also a well-known producer having worked on Dinner for Five, Sullivan & Son (which he directed), Undeniable With Joe Buck and F Is for Family. In 2022, Billingsley reprised his role as Ralphie for HBO Max’s sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas.
Billingsley married Elizabeth Bains in 2015. The couple shares two children.
The actress captivated audiences as the adorable Cindy Lou Who in the 2000 film, which starred Jim Carrey as the Grinch. Momsen then appeared in Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams, Hansel & Gretel and Underdog before landing the role of Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl. She starred on the CW series from 2007 to 2010, before returning for the 2012 series finale. The Missouri native has been the frontwoman for the rock band The Pretty Reckless since 2009. The group has released four records, including 2021’s Death by Rock and Roll. The band announced in December 2024 that they are opening for AC/DC on their PWR Up Tour beginning in April 2025.
The star portrayed Susan Walker in the classic Christmas tale one year after making her acting debut in 1993’s Mrs. Doubtfire. Wilson has since starred in Matilda, A Simple Wish, Thomas and the Magic Railroad and Pre-Emptive Defence. She has voiced characters on BoJack Horseman, Big Hero 6: The Series, Helluva Boss and Ollie & Scoops. Wilson also voiced Jane on the 2024 podcast series “VAMP PD.”
The California native graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2009. She penned her biography, Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame, seven years later. Wilson came out in 2016 as bisexual following the tragic massacre at Orlando’s gay nightclub Pulse in June of that year.
Lloyd made his acting debut in 1996, which is the same year he starred in Jingle All the Way alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Colorado native pulled at viewers’ heartstrings in the holiday film as Jamie Langston, a kid who really wants the Turbo Man doll for Christmas. He has since appeared on The Pretender and in the movie Madison. He is best known for playing Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace and a series of video games for the franchise.
The former child star stepped back from acting in 2002. Seven years later, he returned to the entertainment industry working as a production assistant for 2009’s Peer Pressure. In 2015, Lloyd made headlines after he was arrested for reckless driving, driving without a license and resisting arrest in Charleston, South Carolina. He was behind bars until April 2016 when he was transferred to a psychiatric facility after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. His family released a statement about his mental health in January 2020, revealing he had moved closer to his loved ones amid his battle with paranoid schizophrenia and was “still a kind and caring person.”
The British actor caught viewers’ attention as lovestruck Sam in the holiday rom-com. Brodie-Sangster has since found success on TV, voicing Ferb on Phineas and Ferb from 2007 to 2015 and John Tracy amongst other characters on Thunderbirds Are Go from 2015 to 2020. He also appeared on Game of Thrones, Godless and The Queen’s Gambit. The former child star portrayed Newt in the Maze Runner franchise and will star in the upcoming series Unsinkable as 2nd Officer Hawkins. Brodie-Sangster joined the band Winnet as the bass guitarist alongside his family in 2010.
Brodie-Sangster confirmed his relationship with fellow British actress Talulah Riley while attending the British Academy Film Awards Gala Dinner in March 2022 together. The Pistol costars announced in July 2023 that they were engaged after two years of dating. Brodie-Sangster and Riley tied the knot in June 2024 in the English village of Anstey in Hertfordshire.
The New York native played Buddy’s (Will Ferrell) half-brother, Michael, in the 2003 holiday movie. Tay went on to appear in Doogal, Beer League and Brooklyn Rules before stepping back from acting in 2009. He briefly returned to the entertainment industry in 2017, reprising his role as the voice of Doogal during an episode of AniMat’s Classic Reviews.
He graduated from Yale University in 2014, according to Hello! magazine. Tay reportedly became an SAT tutor and bilingual editor after college and has been working as a research associate for Columbia University Irving Medical Center since December 2020, per his LinkedIn profile.
Breslin joined the Santa Clause franchise as the No. 2 elf, Curtis, in the sequel. He reprised the role in 2006’s The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. The New York native has since appeared on Teamo Supremo and Center of the Universe. He also starred in The Cat in the Hat, Raising Helen, The Shaggy Dog, Stuck in Love, Some Kind of Hate and External Forces. Spencer, who is the older brother of actress Abigail Breslin, is also a producer, having worked on Widget & Poptop from 2014 to 2015 and 2018’s External Forces short film.
Spencer has his own record label, Acadian Recording Company, and released his debut album, Labor Day, in 2012. Four years later, the musician joined the band Broken Machine.
Mumy played Charlie’s adorable little sister, Lucy Miller, in The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3. She has since starred in the Cheaper by the Dozen movies, Santa Buddies and The Loud House Movie. The California native voiced characters on Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Catscratch, Powerpuff Girls Z, Higglytown Heroes, Chowder, Winx Club: Power of Believix, Bravest Warriors and The Loud House. When Mumy isn’t acting, she’s working as a fitness instructor at Barry’s Bootcamp in Los Angeles.
The actress announced her engagement to her longtime love, Ben, in December 2021. The couple tied the knot in 2023 before welcoming their first child, son Nathan, that November.
The New Jersey native portrayed Charlie Frost, whose dad, Jack Frost (Michael Keaton), comes back to life as a snowman after he tragically dies in the 1998 film. Cross has since appeared on As the World Turns, The O’Keefes, Big Little Lies and Mindhunter. He starred in Homecoming, Flags of Our Fathers, Milk, Citizen Gangster, The Last Film Festival, Mank and Licorice Pizza. The Columbia University alum made his directorial debut with 2019’s Summer Night, which he also produced.
Galecki rose to fame after playing Rusty in the 1989 Christmas-themed movie. The Emmy-nominated actor has since starred on American Dreamer, Billy, Roseanne, The Big Bang Theory and The Conners. His movie hits include I Know What You Did Last Summer, CBGB and A Dog’s Journey. Galecki produced his first film, Bagtime, in 2001. His biggest producing credits, however, include the series SciJinks and Living Biblically.
The Belgium-born star dated his Big Bang Theory costar Kaley Cuoco from 2007 to 2009. He then was in a relationship with Alaina Meyer from 2018 to 2020. Galecki and Meyer share one child, whom they welcomed in December 2019.
Galecki revealed in Architectural Digest’s March 2024 cover story that he quietly married Morgan Galecki. The outlet reported that Morgan was pregnant when they shot the magazine, and the pair have since welcomed daughter Oona.
Grimes is best known for playing George (Jimmy Stewart) and Mary Bailey’s (Donna Reed) youngest daughter, Zuzu, in the iconic 1946 holiday film. Her career continued through 1954 with roles in The Bishop’s Wife, Rio Grande, Honeychile and an episode of The Ford Television Theatre. The Los Angeles native has continued to support the movie that made her career, speaking at screenings of the film from time to time and frequently attending the It’s a Wonderful Life event in Seneca Falls, New York. In 2000, she published Zuzu Bailey’s It’s a Wonderful Life Cookbook. She returned to the entertainment industry in 2020’s Canaan Land playing a talk show guest.
The former actress, who has been married three times, pursued a career as a medical technologist after graduating from the University of Central Missouri. Grimes is the mother of seven children.
The actor portrayed Samuel "Slam" Gibbons in the 2007 film. Throughout the movie, spunky Slam gets life advice from Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn). Thompson later starred in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Knucklehead, School Dance, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and A Rich Christmas. The Missouri native appeared on For Better or Worse and House of Payne and was a regular on Wild ‘N Out from 2018 to 2020. Thompson is also a rapper, who released the single “Big Body” in September 2021.
Englefield played Jude Law’s eldest child, daughter Sophie, in the 2006 Christmas film. The role was her first acting credit. The England native followed it up with an appearance on The Whistleblowers before starring on Casualty. Englefield stepped back from acting following 2011’s Beautiful Girl. She is currently a model and musician, who plays punk rock jams in West Sussex.
The former child star welcomed her first baby, daughter Frances, in April 2020, with partner Alex Whivley-Conway.
The England native portrayed Law’s youngest daughter, Olivia, in The Holiday. It is her only acting credit to date. Pritchard has kept a low profile since starring in the rom-com and doesn’t appear to have a social media presence.
Turner-Smith, 38, alleged in new court documents obtained by Us Weekly on Monday, December 23, that Jackson, 46, has not paid her any child support since news broke in October 2023 that they parted ways. She is requesting he pay her $8,543 per month retroactive to the date of her initial filing. (TMZ was first to report the news.)
The Bad Monkey actress also requested that Jackson pay her $28,641 a month in spousal support while their divorce is still pending. (She initially asked the court to take spousal support off the table but has seemingly changed her mind.)
She is asking that the court order the Dawson’s Creek alum to pay her $250,000 to cover her attorney fees and other costs as they continue to hash out their legal split.
Turner-Smith claimed that Jackson “promised to always support me” and “ensured” her that she would “not have to worry about financial security for our daughter if we ever separated because he said he understood how difficult life can be as a Black woman and a single mother.”
She argued in the docs that Jackson made more money than her during their four-year marriage and accused him of piling up attorney’s fees by dragging out their divorce.
Turner-Smith alleged that the Doctor Odyssey star is “reneging” on his “promise” to financially protect her and their 4-year-old daughter. (The former couple welcomed their child in April 2020.)
Us confirmed in October 2023 that Turner-Smith filed for divorce from Jackson after four years of marriage. She cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the breakup and listed the date of separation as September 13, 2023.
Turner-Smith, who married the Mighty Ducks actor in 2019, noted in the initial docs that she was looking for joint custody of their child.
Despite hitting a bump in their legal proceedings, Turner-Smith has been positive about her coparenting experience with Jackson over the past year.
“It’s an adjustment period for anyone when they split up with someone, because you’re used to being with your child all the time,” she told Glamour in an interview published in October. “But nobody hands you a manual. Everyone’s trying to figure it out. Each parent has a different life, and especially if the reason why you’re splitting up is because you have different lives, it’s only further complicated by how you’re going to coparent.”
The following month, Turner-Smith told Entertainment Tonight that coparenting comes down to thinking “about your kids” at all times. “When you’re parenting in the public eye, everything that you do — eventually, there’s a record of it,” she explained. “You don’t want your kids to read anything and think anything.”
She added: “It’s just about — center the children and that’s all you can do. Nobody gets everything right but at least when you know you’re focused on the right thing, you know you’re gonna do your best.”
Jackson — who dated Lupita Nyong’o from fall 2023 to October of this year — has remained quiet about his and Turner-Smith’s ongoing divorce. In September, he did share a rare glimpse at his life as a girl dad.
He exclusively told Us in September that he couldn’t pick the best thing about being a parent. “It’s not a part; it’s the whole thing,” Jackson gushed. “It’s every single day. She is a joy.”
Jackson noted that his daughter influences every aspect of his life. “I have a 4-year-old. She’s in school. I need to work here, and I want to be able to be, like, a dad,” he explained. “That’s really honestly my main priority.”
Being close to home is what drew the actor to his latest role on Doctor Odyssey. “I really wanted to do something where it was lighter, where I didn’t have to go home as a head case every night, brooding and heavy,” he added.
Us Weekly has reached out to Jackson’s team for comment.
The ESPN family is mourning the loss of one of their own, Zach Jones, following his death on Sunday, December 22. He was 41.
“ESPN lost one of our own yesterday, research manager Zach Jones,” SportsCenter anchor Randy Scott announced during the Monday, December 23, broadcast.
Scott revealed that after a “two-year fight with colorectal cancer that had metastasized before his diagnosis,” Jones passed away.
“You may have never seen him on your screens, but you saw his work on our live golf coverage, our women’s college basketball coverage or on any of our SportsCenter shows,” the journalist continued. “He came here in 2010 as a researcher and joined the management team of the stats and information group in 2018.”
Scott got tears in his eyes while detailing Jones’ most important legacies, which were not tied to his work at the sports-focused network.
Randy Scott
“More important than that, he got married here. He started a family here. The Stanford [University] graduate loved The Cardinal, and he loved golf,” Scott said, getting choked up on camera. “He loved his wife, Amber, and he loved his son Silas. He turned 10 last month. He lost his dad three days before Christmas.”
The anchor recalled seeing Jones “just a couple of weeks ago” in the cafeteria, noting he was “hopeful” and “reflective,” telling him, “He just wanted his family to be OK after a recent move to Texas.”
Scott explained that Jones “fought like hell” during his cancer battle and “he gets to rest now.” He signed off by saying, “We love you, buddy” and sharing a photo of his late coworker with his family.
Scott shared the SportsCenter clip via X on Monday, calling Jones, “Our friend, Amber’s husband, and Silas’ dad.”
Fellow SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi also paid tribute to their friend via social media.
“May you rest in peace Zach. A devoted dad who loved golf, the Chargers and his family,” he wrote via X on Monday. “He was a fantastic researcher and had the perfect demeanor for TV. He will be missed by so many. Sending all of our love to his wife, son and their family. F— cancer.”
ESPN colleague Gregg Colli commented on Negandhi’s post, replying, “Zach was the best. The original fantasy football researcher who handled a ridiculous volume of work with a smile and no complaints. He was as good a human as it gets. Cancer Sucks!”
Teddi Mellencamp’s love of horses hasn’t wavered since news broke last month of her alleged affair with her horse trainer, Simon Schroeder.
Mellencamp, 43, enjoyed an afternoon at the stables on Sunday, December 22, with her daughters Slate, 12, and Dove, 4, according to her Instagram Stories.
“Frog Santa is my fave Santa,” she captioned one photo with Dove, who wore Christmas tree-shaped glasses on her face that looked a little like a frog.
Mellencamp was all smiles in the snap, wearing black riding pants and boots, a white Nike sweatshirt and her helmet. The mother-daughter duo posed by a hose wearing a Santa hat.
The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star also shared several videos of both Slate and Dove riding different horses. One of the animals even wore reindeer antlers as Slate galloped.
Slate and Dove, whom Mellencamp shares with her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, also dressed up for the festive riding day. (Mellencamp and Arroyave also share son Cruz, 10, and Arroyave, 47, is the father of daughter Isabella from a previous relationship.)
Dove traded in her tree glasses for sparkly reindeer glasses to ride with her big sister, who added antlers to her helmet.
“Santa’s little helper,” Mellencamp captioned a separate Instagram Story video of her youngest child walking one of the horses out of its stable.
Later that day, Mellencamp posted photos of Slate and Cruz with friends during their VIP experience at Cirque du Soleil Kooza in Santa Monica, California.
The reality’s star’s family-filled weekend came nearly two months after she announced on November 2 that she and Arroyave split after 13 years of marriage.
Mellencamp initially requested sole physical and legal custody of the pair’s three children with Arroyave having “reasonable and frequent” visitation. However, Us Weekly confirmed on November 22 that she changed her petition, asking the court for joint physical and legal custody of the kids.
Arroyave, for his part, previously asked for joint legal and physical custody of the kids in his November response to Mellencamp’s filing. “Edwin and Teddi have always wanted to keep this amicable for the children,” a source told Us at the time, claiming that “Teddi and Edwin both knew each other were filing — it was not a surprise.”
While the estranged spouses appear to be handling their divorce amicably, Mellencamp has remained in the hot seat over the past two months for other extramarital affairs.
“Simon and Teddi had a thing several months ago but it’s not still happening,” a source exclusively told Us last month, claiming that Mellencamp and Arroyave were both unfaithful during their marriage.
While the insider said, “Teddi isn’t excusing her behavior,” they alleged it was “the first and only time she strayed outside the marriage.” The source added that Mellencamp says “there’s two sides to the story” and both she and Arroyave are to “blame.”
A second insider told Us that Arroyave “insists he has not had an affair since” he cheated on Mellencamp eight years ago. “Since then, he’s been focused on family and faith,” the source claimed.
Following their separation, Mellencamp has kept quiet about what led to the split. She briefly touched upon the rumors during the November 14 episode of her “Two Ts in a Pod” podcast, saying, “There’s multiple sides to every story.”
She added, “I’m not going to confirm or deny anything. But there’s many people involved.”
Mellencamp has since begun to pick up the pieces in her life, revealing during the December 5 episode of Erika Jayne’s “Diamonds in the Rough” podcast that she is living part-time with RHOBH’s Kyle Richards. She is also splitting time with Arroyave in their marital home with their kids, which she called “nesting.”
“Some places you can just file for divorce … in California, there’s a six-month cooling-off period,” Mellencamp explained. “During that six months, you can do a multitude of things. The way I learned about nesting was one of my good girlfriends, she’s a divorce coach. She told me about nesting. It’s where the kids stay [in the marital home] and the parents come and go.”
She noted that both she and her estranged husband “can be there for sporting events” and other activities for the kids. “We’re completely happy to be around one another,” Mellencamp claimed.
The cast of Below Deck and its spinoff series will do just about anything for love … or at least to have a fun crew hookup.
After seven seasons of the Bravo series — with more than 100 episodes — there have been plenty of romances to watch unfold. Add in the Below Deck Mediterranean flings and Below Deck Sailing Yachtrelationships and viewers have a lot to keep up with.
Below Deck’s Rocky Dakota and Eddie Lucas served as the guideline for crew members of what not to do while yachting. Chief Stewardess Kate Chastain revealed on the Bravo’s Daily Dish in January 2020 that the season 3 secret hookup “ruined it for everyone” moving forward.
Although Rocky and Eddie’s time together was rough for many on board the ship, the next season brought Ben Robinson and Emily Warburton-Adams’ sweet relationship. The couple lasted a while onshore as well, but ultimately ended called it quits in 2017.
Throughout its five seasons, Below Deck Med also gave life to many memorable couples, including Malia White’s two beaus. She briefly dated Wes Walton during season 2, and her boyfriend, Tom Checketts, joined the cast during season 5.
After dating for more than a year, Malia announced in September 2020 that she and Tom had gone their separate ways. “Yes, Tom and I have split. The details surrounding all of it I am trying to keep a little private just out of respect to him and I,” she said via an Instagram video. “But yes, I am single.”
Below Deck viewers witnessed Ben and Sunny's ups and downs during season 11. While working on deck, Ben and Sunny formed a casual relationship, which got more complicated when he was promoted. They continued to hook up when he became her boss — and before he attempted to rekindle his romance with former costar Camille Lamb.
Camille ultimately shut Ben down and he remained unsure about a future with Sunny. They recoincled once filming ended but called it quits by the end of 2024.
Daisy and Colin explored their chemistry during season 4 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht after years of being friends. Her history with Gary, however, quickly created issues between the pair throughout the season.
During the reunion, which aired in July 2023, Daisy accused Colin of hooking up with someone else when they originally got together. Colin, for his part, said nothing happening with his unnamed now-girlfriend until he ended his relationship with Daisy. Colin also accused Daisy of being interested in Gary while dating him.
After previously not seeing eye to eye, Daisy and Gary surprised viewers when they hooked up in a hot tub while filming season 3. Gary revealed one year later that he had sex with Daisy before they returned for another season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht — and ahead of her hookup with Colin MacRae.
The second stewardess left Below Deck Sailing Yacht during season 3, and she found love with Below Deck season 9 deckhand Wes O'Dell. The Florida native hired Barragan as first mate on his sailboat, and the sparks started flying.
"I don’t think I’ve had a boyfriend quite as kind and patient and loving as Wes," she explained on the "Gangplank Report" podcast in April 2022. "So it’s new for me because obviously, you guys see how chaotic I am and how intense I am. So being in a normal, healthy relationship — I’m, like, uncomfortable in normalcy, I guess."
The pair started a boatmance during season 2 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Soares shared details about their connection, specifically the first time she knew she wanted to kiss Lanaux. "I think when we were playing Truth or Dare and he said that he fancied me," the stew revealed during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in April 2021. "I don't know, it just made me look at him differently."
After leaving the boat together, Dani announced that she was expecting a baby girl as season 2 of the Bravo show was airing. Dani claimed during the reunion that Jean-Luc was the father of her baby, but that he didn't believe her when she told him.
"Let's put it this way. This baby was made during the season while we had cameras 24/7 with us and I only slept with one guy," Dani clarified. "He hasn't supported me at all in any way. He thinks it is not his child and he doesn't want to have anything to do with it."
In a separate interview, Jean-Luc addressed his ex-girlfriend in a personal message.
"Dani, what we had on the show for me was real. I don't care what anybody says, even now that we're going through what we are going through. What I felt for you, and the time that we had, was genuine. Everything that I ever said to you was true," Jean-Luc said in June 2021.
He added at the time: "I need you to know that I did support your decision and still do. I really hope that we can coparent together and have respect for one another like we did."
The reunion episode revealed that the pair have not yet spoken.
Early in the second season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht the first mate slept with deckhand Sydney even though he was also interested in stewardess Alli Dore.Gary told Sydney after that it was a one-time thing, but Sydney was already hoping for something more. "I feel like, I did make my intentions clear to Sydney," Gary told E! News in April 2021. "Maybe I should've been more thorough with her or told her a bit straighter. I shot myself in the foot by hooking up with her."
During the reunion episode, Gary explained that he actually had a girlfriend when he hooked up with Sydney.
"We were in a very complicated relationship. I hadn't seen her for eight months prior to me coming on the show. Not seeing someone for eight months and growing apart in those months ... do we put a label on that? No," he added in the June 2021 episode.
Although Gary hooked up with Sydney during season 2 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, his main flame on the Parsifal III was Alli.
The duo grew close during their time on the charter with Alli revealing on a June 2021 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that she was “enjoying the flirt” between her and the first officer.
Even though the duo stayed behind to complete a crossing after season 2, during the reunion they confirmed that they split up shortly after.
"It was inevitable that she was always leaving to Australia, so I think in the back of our minds we knew that we could never seriously work because of that," Gary clarified in June 2021. "Regardless of the great chemistry and the ability to make each other laugh endlessly, and also finish each other's sentences."
Alli also announced that she was expecting her first child with her boyfriend, Benny Thompson, during the reunion episode.
The Below Deck Med couple had a rocky romance during their time on the show but ultimately did leave the boat together. Following the end of season 5, the duo confirmed that they were no longer together. "It didn't end on the best note, and we're still not in the best place," Jess shared during the Bravo After Show in October 2020. "It just keeps seeming to build, my disappointment for somebody that I really, truly cared about and loved and thought that I was gonna marry and spend the rest of my life with. So, to go from that to just continually finding out things new every single day is something that's really hard for me and disappointing."
The pair really hit it off during season 8 of Below Deck. Unfortunately, Elizabeth was more invested in the romance than James, and their time together was cut short when she was fired. Elizabeth confirmed that she regretted getting involved with James during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in January 2021.
Rocky and Eddie’s hookup during season 3 of Below Deck came with lots of drama. Rocky initially deny their fling, but later admitted that he did cheat on his girlfriend and slept with the third stew, well after fans saw the pair having sex in the laundry room on the yacht.
Ben and Emily’s season 4 relationship was one that many fans rooted for. The couple went on dates during the season and continued their relationship once off the Valor. The pair lived together in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for about a year after meeting on the show and worked together from time to time. In October 2017, Ben confirmed during an episode of the “After Deck With Kate Chastain” podcast that the two called it quits.
Nico entered season 5 of the series with a girlfriend, but once on board the Valor he called things off with her in order to romance with Brianna. Before disembarking the yacht, Nico broke things off with the stewardess and later reconnected with his ex.
Deckhands Rhylee and Tyler heated things up on season 6 of the reality show. Their steamy relationship on board quickly ended once they docked, with Rhylee claiming Tyler only pretended they were still together for the social media following. "Bottom line, Tyler's an idiot. And no, we don't keep in contact anymore," she told Bravo’s Daily Dish in December 2019. "He was a good lay, but he's an idiot."
During season 7 of Below Deck, Courtney and Brian had a fling to remember. Despite hitting some bumps in the road — Brian sent a text about their relationship status that seemed like a breakup message — the pair kissed and made up during the season finale. The duo didn’t however pursue a relationship once they got off the boat in Thailand, and Courtney revealed on the After Show in February 2020 that she blocked him after receiving “aggressive” and “venomous” messages.
Simone and Tanner had a short-lived fling during season 7 of the Bravo series. After Tanner was very vocal about their sex life, the two decided to be just friends before the charter season was over.
Malia found herself in a love triangle during season 2 of Below Deck Med, with chef Adam and bosun Wes. The deckhand ultimately chose Wes, and the two even dated briefly after disembarking the Sirocco at the end of the season.
João and Brooke’s season 3 Below Deck Med romance seemed to be headed in the right direction when the series ended but didn’t last long off the ship. During the season 4 premiere, João claimed that the two split because Brooke cheated on him. She denied the allegations, saying they weren’t together when she saw another man.
The third stew originally formed a connection with Gary during their first night on Parsifal III. After the first officer put a stop to their hookup, Ashley moved on with deckhand Tom, who was interested in her earlier in the season.
Below Deck Med’s chief stew and bosun had a whirlwind romance during season 3. The pair’s relationship was criticized by Captain Sandy Yawn and was derailed by a fight, which resulted in them being friends instead of romantically linked once the charter ended.
Ferrier moved on with Josh Roberts in 2018, and the two welcomed daughter Ava Grace in November 2020. They married in March 2022.
The pair started a relationship during season 4 of Below Deck Med, but once they left the Sirocco, things quickly fizzled out. Jack returned to London and began seeing his ex-girlfriend, and Aesha broke up with him shortly thereafter. Jack has since welcomed his first child with girlfriend Kelly Hidge and Aesha has a new man in her life named Scotty Dobbo.
When Malia returned to Below Deck Med on season 5, she had a new title and new boyfriend. Malia was the first female bosun in the show’s history, while her beau, Tom, replaced chef Hindrigo “Kiko” Lorran as the chef on board.
The pair dated for more than a year before Malia announced their split in September 2020.
The bosun later opened up to Us about how she found out that the chef was allegedly cheating on her.
“Yeah, we were, you know, working on different boats,” she exclusively told Us in July 2021. “It was in the pandemic [that] had just happened. So, it was impossible for us to see each other. It was right when the show is coming out, it's obviously a lot going on in our lives. And, yeah, he found someone else on his boats, and I didn't know for a couple of months.”
Malia discussed how she learned about the news “through a friend” and that later “all hell broke loose” between them. (Us Weekly reached out to Tom for comment.)
The Below Deck Sailing Yacht couple began dating before they starred on season 1 of the spinoff series in February 2020. The pair first met when Ciara’s parents hired Paget to teach the family about sailing, becoming Instagram official in 2016. The first mate proposed to Ciara in Italy in July 2020, sharing the news via social media. “I did a thing 🙈 💍 ❤️ #engaged,” Paget wrote alongside two photos of the newly engaged couple on a yacht.
Ciara exclusively told Us Weekly in April 2021 that the couple ended their engagement four months prior.
"There were a lot of reasons that it kind of broke down. Being in France, we weren't quarantining, we weren't stuck together or anything like that," Ciara said about the breakup. "We were there just kind of living life, but you know I was taking temporary jobs and I just kind of realized throughout taking those jobs that I was happier on my own for a lot of reasons."
Paget went Instagram official with his new girlfriend in November 2021.
Jenna and Adam came under fire from their Sailing Yacht costars for their PDA-filled romance on the Parsifal III. After the charter season, the couple spent time together in Greece and did a cross-country drive together ahead of the holidays. Adam revealed during a May 2020 episode of Watch What Happens Live, however, that the couple is no longer together.
TMZ reported in December that Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and “severe emotional distress.” His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement to Us Weekly that the allegations are “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” Us reached out to Lively’s rep for comment at the time.
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It Ends With Us just hit theaters, but Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni ’s off-camera dynamic is what really has fans talking.
Prior to the opening on Friday, August 9, TikTok sleuths suspected that there’s a rift between the pair — partially linked to the movie’s final cut. The feud speculation originally began to swirl when fans noticed that Lively, 36, doesn’t follow Baldoni, 40, on Instagram, nor does anyone else in the cast. (Lively is also a producer on the project, while Baldoni directed the film.)
Lively has shared a lot of promotion for the movie featuring costars Jenny Slate, Brandon Sklenar, Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter and It Ends With Us authorColleen Hoover.
Baldoni, meanwhile, does follow Lively on social media — and appeared on Hoover’s Instagram several times while shooting the adaptation. Hoover, 44, is not currently following Baldoni, hinting at a bigger falling out.
Eagle-eyed fans also pointed out that Baldoni was noticeably absent from joint press events for the movie and there were no big cast photos from the New York City premiere.
Lively added her own fuel to the fire when she revealed that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, wrote part of the rooftop scene in the film. She noted at the time that she and Reynolds, 47, often enlist each other to help with various projects. Reynolds was later tapped to help promote the movie by doing an interview with Sklenar.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lively allegedly then asked for a cut of the movie from editor Shane Reid before the film was finalized. (Reid previously worked with Lively on Taylor Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me” music video, which she directed. He also worked as the editor on Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine.)
The outlet noted that it is unclear whether any of the cut — credited to editors Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan — was used in the final version.
Us Weekly has learned that it’s not uncommon for someone to commission a different version of the film as part of the editing process before the movie hits theaters.
In the case of Lively and Baldoni the source noted, “All parties agreed on the final cut of the film and agreed that it’s the best version of the film.”
Despite rumors of tension between Lively and Baldoni, who play Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid, respectively, Baldoni has sung Lively’s praises throughout his press tour. He also pitched his costar to direct the possible sequel, which would be based on Hoover’s It Starts With Us novel.
“I think there are better people for that one,” Baldoni told Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday, August 6, when asked if he’d pull double duty again for the possible next installment.
He added, “I think Blake Lively is ready to direct. That’s what I think,” noting that he needed a “vacation” after starring and directing the movie.
Us Weekly reached out to Lively and Baldoni’s reps for comment.
It Ends With Us is now playing in theaters.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Hallmark came in hot with its slate of 2024 movies and kept the hits rolling throughout the year — many of which still have Us talking.
There were International rom-coms like Two Scoops of Italy and period pieces like An American in Austen as well as holiday sequels that had Us rolling around on the ground laughing. We’re looking at you Three Wiser Men and a Boy.
Hallmark also released epic new sleuthing films on Hallmark Mystery and exclusive programming on its new streaming site, Hallmark+, that hooked Us in month after month.
Lacey Chabert, a.k.a. one of the queens of Christmas, starred in two of Us’ top 20 movies of the year with His & Hers — which was the 10th project for her and costar Brennan Elliott — and The Christmas Quest.
Chabert exclusively told Us Weekly in August that her “Countdown to Christmas” movie was a “grand adventure” that marked her first “treasure hunt” for the network. “Everyone knows I love Christmas, so I was super excited,” she added.
Keep scrolling for Us’ unofficial ranking of the best Hallmark movies of 2024 (and the standout moments that stole our hearts):
Grace (Skyler Samuels) accidentally meets Michael (Kapil Talwalkar) in “Dream Central” while she’s sleeping one night. She then goes on a wild goose chase to meet Michael IRL — except he has no idea who she is.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Similar to The Magic of Lemon Drops, the mystical element of My Dreams of You provided a new and welcome formula to Hallmark romance movies. — Miranda Siwak
The Magic of Lemon Drops combines fate, magic and a second chance at love. In this Hallmark film, Lolly (Lyndsy Fonseca) is gifted a trio of lemon drops from her eccentric aunt. According to her aunt, the drops are imbibed with magic that allow the user to experience three different life paths. Over the course of multiple nights, Lolly gets to see what life looks like had she pursued a different career, a relationship with her childhood love (played by Pretty Little Liars’ Ian Harding) and more.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
The quirkiness of the magic lemon drops provided a new element to the traditional happy-go-lucky Hallmark movies. — Miranda Siwak
In the days before Christmas, ER doctor Hannah Michaels (Sara Canning) and EMT Wes Sullivan (Ser’Darius Blain) balance their busy jobs with celebrating the festivities Philadelphia-style. It is also Hannah’s first Christmas in Philly, and Wes is more than willing to teach her the ropes.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
The authenticity and diversity made this movie what it was. Since Christmas on Call is set in Philadelphia, writers made sure to capture what the City of Brotherly Love is really like from enjoying Philly cheesesteaks, a plethora of Eagles merch and a surprise cameo from Donna Kelce, the mother of retired NFL center Jason Kelce. In addition, the cast showcased a range of racial and body diversity, which we love to see on the screen. — Miranda Siwak
Alexa, cue “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer. Workaholic lawyer Lucy Miller (Eva Bourne) is celebrating her promotion alone on Christmas Eve when a mysterious rideshare experience transports her back to 1999. Reliving the holiday with her mom, sister and best friend — not to mention her high school crush Matt (Chandler Massey) — Lucy gets a second chance to figure out where her relationships went wrong, but will she find the answers before the clock runs out? With fab ‘90s fashion, great tunes and an important lesson about prioritizing the ones you love, Hallmark takes what could be a zany premise and delivers the perfect mix of nostalgia and heart in a story that will keep you guessing.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Bourne and Massey’s natural chemistry jumps off the screen, and the pair commit to playing two awkward teens navigating the line between romance and friendship with beautiful ease. What impresses Us most, though, is how both actors play their characters at ages 18 and 40 — and we believe them! — Kat Pettibone
If there is one word to describe the protagonist in this Hallmark Mystery, it’s “quirky” and we mean that in the best way possible. Advice columnist Nelly (Pascale Hutton) inserts herself in the murder investigation of a local man much to the dismay of new detective Michael Hogan (Kavan Smith). As the case gets more intense, Nelly and Michael realize they’re better as a team and work together to solve the crime — which nearly everyone in town could have committed.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Hallmark Mystery has been upping its game when it comes to sleuth-based films. Nothing proves that more than this Nelly Knows movie. Not only does Nelly have crazy detective instincts but the nods to vintage fashion and retro décor and lingo had Us asking, “Where is this town and can we come for a visit?” Hutton described Nelly’s wardrobe as “Scooby-Doo-inspired,” while Smith exclusively told Us that the movie gives off “Edward Scissorhands” vibes. Need we say more? — Johnni Macke
After graduating college, Alice (Katie Findlay) and Max (Jordan Fisher) spent five years in a will they/won’t they relationship while prioritizing their respective dreams and navigating if their feelings for each other are more than just friendship. Telling the story over the course of five years is what makes this movie work, leaving viewers eager to find out what happened during the year before the group meets back up for Christmas.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
The emotional connection between Findlay and Fisher really shines and sells the story for Us. — Sarah Hearon
It’s no secret that Chabert is the reigning queen of Hallmark, starring in several of Us’ top movies this year. In His & Hers, she teams up with Elliott and they play a married couple facing off in divorce court. Mark (Elliott) and Dana (Chabert) are each working with one-half of a reality TV power couple going through a public divorce.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
This wasn’t just a love story about one couple, but two! Not only do Mark and Dana navigate their marriage in His & Hers, but so do their clients. In the end, both pairs find well-deserved resolutions. — Miranda Siwak
Hijinks don’t always work in Hallmark movies, but there was something just fun about librarian Whitney (Rachel Skarsten) ending up on an undercover mission with an FBI agent lacking Christmas spirit (Corey Sevier) after a blind date gone awry. The stakes? Finding the art thief who is targeting the Heart of Christmas necklace at a Christmas Eve charity Mistletoe Ball while trying not to fall in love IRL while fake dating!
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
The partnership of Skarsten and Seiver was sold the film, leading Us to think that they need their own crime-solving movie franchise over at Hallmark Mysteries. — Sarah Hearon
Maggie Lawson plays Emily, a woman who, after falling short year after year to deliver the perfect Christmas, makes a wish for a holiday as picture-perfect as the ones on the TV movies. Emily’s wish turns into a reality when Sugarplum herself (Janel Parrish) steps out of the screen to help her dream come true. However, while everything starts off falling right into place, Sugarplum quickly learns that her “movie rules” don’t always work in the real world, and both she and Emily get dealt a harsh dose of reality.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Give Parrish and Lawson all their flowers for the female-led Christmas comedy, but the biggest round of applause goes to Hallmark themselves for having enough perspective — and sense of humor — to troll themselves for two straight hours. There’s still plenty of heartfelt moments and lessons learned, but Sugarplummed leans into poking fun at the network’s reputation of creating worlds where nothing is bad, mysterious small town hunks always turn out to be someone’s true love and all anyone really needs is a little dose of holiday magic. But then again, what’s so wrong with that? — Kat Pettibone
Rhode Island in 1894? Sign Us up! This Hallmark Mystery movie follows society page writer Emma Vanderbilt-Cross (Ali Skovbye), who witnesses a murder while covering a ball at the Vanderbilt mansion. Although women were barely allowed to work at the newspaper at the time, Emma manages to insert herself into the investigation to help clear her brother’s name. Oh, and Emma has not one but two dreamy suitors to assist her along the way.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
The costumes alone make Us want to watch this mystery on repeat. It successfully transports viewers back in time but adds even more flare with a murder mystery angle. Think Murder She Wrote but with a Bridgerton twist. — Johnni Macke
To celebrate “Loveuary” and Valentine’s Day in February, the network debuted a series of Jane Austen-inspired films. In An American in Austen, Harriet (Eliza Bennett) is magically transported into Pride & Prejudice after wishing on a star about the perils of modern dating. Harriet, a librarian, gets a firsthand glimpse at Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley estate and life with the Bennet sisters.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Anyone who’s poured over Austen’s Pride & Prejudice (or watched any of the onscreen adaptations) will love the chance to step into the world via Harriet’s eyes. — Miranda Siwak
Sibling duo Rose (Ashley Greene) and Sal (Danny Pellegrino) team up with hot contractor Brysen (Wes Brown) to renovate a house for a family in need with a Christmas deadline. A solid combination of sweet and silly, think HGTV if Chip and Joanna Gaines had quirkier personalities and shopped only at Home Goods.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Pellegrino, who penned the script, stars as the delightfully over-the-top Sal, complete with his own enemies-to-lovers story line with his former childhood enemy, Jake. Also, karaoke! — Sarah Hearon
This quaint, small town romance follows Meg (Erin Krakow), a Nantucket bookstore owner known for playing matchmaker to others, as she find love and direction in life after agreeing to review undercover famous author Graham’s (Robert Buckley) new novel in her blind-date-with-a-book club after he visits her store. While the pair’s opposite perspectives on literature initially causes some serious friction, they quickly realize they have more in common than they thought.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
In the days of online dating, there’s something sparkly about the idea of still being able to find the love of your life in a quaint bookstore on a random day in April. If that person happens to be a witty and charming Buckley, well, even better. — Kat Pettibone
While Chabert’s Stefanie argues that it’s a “treasure hunt” and not a “quest,” this movie is most definitely both. Archeologist Stefanie enlists her ex-husband Chase’s (Kristoffer Polaha) help to track down the legendary Icelandic treasure hidden by the Yule Lads at Christmastime for the magical version of National Treasure we didn’t know we needed.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
This movie is a literal treasure hunt full of clues, Icelandic folklore and Christmas traditions, which makes Us want to travel for the holidays next season. If the mystery itself doesn’t pull you in, Stefanie and Chase sipping Jólaöl a.k.a. Christmas ale is sure to peak your interest in European culture. — Johnni Macke
Retired hockey player Wes (Andrew Walker) is paired with not-so-adventurous Avery (Ashley Williams) for an Amazing Race-style reality competition titled The Great Holiday Dash. The twosome have to learn to work together while navigating the puzzles, physical challenges — and evil reality TV producers, of course!
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Here at Us, there’s really no better combination than Christmas and reality TV. Plus, it’s not a coincidence that several of Walker’s 2024 films made the list. — Sarah Hearon
The success of Hallmark’s Wedding Veil trilogy made way for this year’s The Groomsmen, a series of three movies — First Look, Second Chances and Last Dance — about a trio of best friends as they navigate love and friendship through their wedding days. Set in the beautiful backdrops of Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria, each film tells a story from a different man's perspective, serving all of the tropes Hallmark fans have come to love.
B.J. Britt’s Pete learns love at first sight is real when he meets Chelsea (Heather Hemmens) at a wedding. Jonathan Bennett’s Danny navigates being best man to longtime manager — and secret love of his life — Zack (Alexander Lincoln), and Tyler Hynes’ Jackson, on the heels of a divorce, realizes a worthy sparring partner may actually be a match made in Heaven when he meets — and almost runs over — mysterious stranger Gabriella (Elena Rusconi).
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Zack ditching his wedding to run after Danny and the pair sharing a passionate kiss over a cliff in Greece as Jackson and Pete cheer in the distance is the winning moment of the trilogy for Us, and Hallmark has come a long way in celebrating queer romance. (Honorable mention? The BFF wedding dance breakdown that occurs in the third film’s final moments. Those boys have got moves!) — Kat Pettibone
It can be rare for a “Miracles of Christmas” film (airing on sister network Hallmark Mysteries) to hit the same as the traditional “Countdown to Christmas” movie, but A Novel Noel, starring Julie Gonzalo and Brendan Penny, has the perfect amount of charm and chemistry. The flick follows a burnt out book editor (Gonzalo) who spends the holidays working at a bookstore owned by an (secretly) aspiring writer played by Penny.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
It’s been a minute since a Hallmark movie made Us gasp at a plot twist! We don’t spoil it here, but we promise it will bring the feels. Bonus points for the wine and bookstore combination of our dreams. — Sarah Hearon
The only complaint we have about Two Scoops of Italy is that viewers aren’t magically able to taste all the gelato that’s consumed in this delightful rom-com. OK, in all seriousness, this film follows an American chef named Danielle (Hunter King) who goes to a small village in Italy for inspiration. Not only does she get the food tour of her dreams, but Danielle falls in love with the country and local Giancarlo (Michele Rosiello) as she helps him create a craveable gelato flavor to sell at his family’s café. Seriously, why can’t this be a story that happens to Us?
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
When Danielle and Giancarlo aren’t making and tasting gelato — have we mentioned how envious we are of this plot line? — they jump on a Vespa and explore the Italian countryside. Swoon. The picturesque location, olive oil tasting and local famer’s markets they visit make Us green with envy. The tale of an American finding love overseas might be commonplace for Hallmark but it’s still fine by Us. — Johnni Macke
Hallmark Mystery came out with not one, but two new Curious Caterer movies in 2024 but its Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans that takes the cake (no pun intended) for Us. Goldy Berry (Nikki DeLoach) gets hired to cater a Medieval feast at Hyde Castle, complete with themed costumes, a jester and a fencing exhibition. The only downer is that the host, Sir Alistair (Andrew Kavadas), gets murdered.
Luckily, Detective Tom Schultz (Walker) is at the mystical event and ready to solve the case. While the murder case itself is hard to crack, it's the twist involving Tom’s imprisoned father that left Us reeling.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
Yes, the mystery is at the forefront of this film, but it’s the fact that Goldy and Tom finally kiss after tiptoeing around their feelings for three movies that lands it at so high on Us’ list. Add in the commitment to Medieval lingo by both Goldy and Tom (so cute!) plus intricate costumes and you’ve the perfect No. 2 pick. — Johnni Macke
Are you really surprised this is Us’ No. 1 pick this year? After their record-breaking Three Wise Men and a Baby, the Brenner brothers (played by Hallmark royalty Walker, Hynes and Paul Campbell) return for a sequel that lives up to the original in every way.
Set five years after Thomas (Miles Marthaller) first came into their lives, viewers catch up with Luke, Taylor, and Stephan and they find themselves at the helm of a school musical after the director quits. Oh, and did we mention the brothers are having a seriously hard time dealing with the fact their mom (Margaret Colin) has a brand new boyfriend? Cue all the major hijinks, laugh out loud moments and surprising new romances that made Us fall in love with these characters — and this heartwarming holiday story — the first time around.
Crown-Worthy Highlight:
How does one choose a single moment to highlight? There’s the return of the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” various slow-mo montages set to epic needle drops and endless banter between our favorite trio. But we have to give this crown to Hynes and Marthaller’s one-on-one talk in the twinkle-light fort about believing in yourself, finding compassion and being brave even when doing so feels impossible. It’s a slowed down, intimate scene in a film that has a lot going on, and one that feels surprisingly authentic — as if the actors threw out their scripts and simply spoke from their hearts instead. — Kat Pettibone
Hallmark Media is kicking off 2025 with four all-new Hallmark Channel movies — taking viewers all around the world from the comfort of their couch.
The network announced in December 2024 that its “Winter Escape” lineup begins on January 4 with Love of the Irish. While filming the movie, star Shenae Grimes-Beech explored the Irish countryside with her husband, Josh Beech, and their two kids in tow.
“Hard not to romanticize the simple things when you’ve got 24 hours alone in an 18th-century Irish castle *swoon*,” Grimes-Beech captioned an Instagram video of her taking a bath, reading with a glass of wine and getting cozy during her downtime in October 2024.
After nearly a month of filming the rom-com — which also stars One Tree Hill alum Moira Kelly — Grimes-Beech told her followers that Ireland has a “huge chunk of my heart.”
Love of the Irish is just one of four travel-focused features Hallmark Channel will air in January — and there’s sure to be even more with Hallmark Mystery and Hallmark+ all releasing new movies throughout the year.Scroll down — and check back monthly — to see all the new movies coming to Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery and Hallmark+ in 2025:
January — Hallmark Channel
‘Love of the Irish’
Premiere Date: Saturday, January 4, at 8 p.m. ET.
Stars: Shenae Grimes-Beech, Stephen Hagan and Moira Kelly
Logline: “Tired of her bad luck, Fiona (Grimes-Beech) takes her mom (Kelly) on a trip to Ireland to turn things around where she meets a charming single dad who helps her make her own luck.”
‘Polar Opposites’
Premiere Date: Saturday, January 11, at 8 p.m. ET.
Logline: “Emma (Fish) needs to get to Antarctica to reach her father and travels to South America but can’t get on a boat for the last leg. She sneaks onto a cruise ship and meets engineer Andy (Tarasiuk).”
Logline: “Abril (Gonzalo) goes to Argentina to save her family ranch from being bought by her ex (Di Pace). But when outside forces threaten the ranch the pair must come together, rekindling their love in the process.”
‘The Perfect Setting’
Premiere Date: Saturday, January 25, at 8 p.m. ET.
Stars: Laci J. Mailey and David Elsendoorn
Logline: “An aspiring jewelry designer (Mailey) returns to Belgium to visit her grandfather and hopefully win the Valentine’s Day Diamond Contest.”
January — Hallmark Mystery
‘The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription’
Premiere Date: Thursday, January 9, at 8 p.m. ET (originally aired on Hallmark+ but is now making its network premiere)
Logline: “Jane (Sweetin) seeks justice for a teenager who’s wrongfully imprisoned for murder. She and Detective John (Huszar) work together to prove the teen’s innocence and help reunite him with his mother.”
Kyle Cooke famously said, “Summer should be fun,” but his wife, Amanda Batula, admitted the anticipation of a new Summer House season is anything but.
“I feel like this lull between the super tease and the premiere is probably when I have the most anxiety,” Amanda, 33, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, December 19, while promoting Amazon’s Buy With Prime feature. “Because it’s like you just start thinking about like, ‘Oh, my God, everything that’s gonna air.’”
Amanda noted that while it’s “exciting” for fans to get a glimpse of the upcoming season, the official trailer release gets her worked up. “I’m glad that it happens over the holidays, so that there’s plenty of stuff to distract us with,” she confessed.
She revealed, “Even though it was a great summer, it’s just always that anticipation of, ‘What the hell did we do?’”
Paige DeSorbo cried over a possible breakup with boyfriend Craig Conover, while one of her best friends, Ciara Miller, claimed Craig, 35, gives “hater energy.”
Although Amanda wasn’t at the heart of the drama, her spouse, 42, did get into a fight with her bestie Paige, 32. “The only reason I came here tonight was so that someone kept his wife company while he pretended to be Diplo,” Paige said of Kyle in the trailer.
Despite seemingly being in hot water with Paige, Amanda told Us that Kyle “doesn’t get anxious” about the show before it airs.
“It also just feels like a lifetime ago even though it was just last summer,” Kyle exclusively told Us of his mindset. “You know, what were you doing for every hour of your July 4th weekend?”
Amanda, however, confessed it’s “hard” to wait and see what made the cut. “It’s exciting to watch but it’s also just like, ‘Oh my God, what’s gonna play out?’”
Amanda Batula.
She teased, “Do you remember everything you said or did when you had a few cocktails? You know, it’s a little hazy.”
When she does watch the events unfold on TV, Amanda said it’s “weird” because so much has “transpired” since they wrapped filming. “You watch it back knowing what you know now and you have a different perspective on it than you did in the moment.”
One thing that Amanda doesn’t worry about every season is getting her costumes and vacation supplies shipped directly to the Hamptons thanks to Amazon’s Buy With Prime feature.
“Have you seen the boxes that stack up on our porch? I mean, we’re constantly using Buy With Prime [and] Amazon Prime,” Amanda explained. “It’s just so convenient. Like any last-minute things that we need, it’s just so easy to ship it to the house when we’re forgetting stuff.”
She revealed that “100 percent” of Kyle’s costumes and “98 percent” of her own looks this past summer came from Prime.
“I feel like Ciara orders most of her stuff to the Hamptons instead of her apartment,” Amanda said. “So there’s constantly personal boxes there for her.”
Amanda noted that because the Hamptons “takes a little bit longer” to get packages, she has turned to Buy With Prime because it curates “your favorite sites instead of doing the normal five to seven shipping days.”
Season 9 of Summer House premieres on Bravo Wednesday, February 12, at 9 p.m. ET.
Will Ferrell drew viewers in as the iconic Buddy the Elf in 2003’s Elf, and fans still can’t get enough of the silly holiday film more than two decades later.
In the Christmas movie, Buddy goes to New York City in hopes of finding his biological father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan), after learning that he is a human and not an elf as he’d always thought.
In October 2021, Ferrell revealed that fans won’t be getting an Elf sequel anytime soon, revealing that he turned down a major payday on a second movie because of the story line. A movie reunion, however, has not happened.
Scroll down to see what the cast of Elf has been up to since the movie’s 2003 release:
Ferrell portrayed Buddy the Elf. Ferrell went on to star in Anchorman, Blades of Glory, Step Brothers, Zoolander 2 and Barbie. Ferrell also appeared on The Spoils of Babylon, No Activity and The Spoils Before Dying, The Shrink Next Door and 2024’s The Boys. He has more than 80 producer credits, including LA to Vegas, I Love You, America, Drunk History, Dead to Me, Motherland: Fort Salem and Succession. The comedian has worked as a writer on more than 20 projects, such as the screenplay for Step Brothers, Eurovision and creating Funny of Die Presents…
The University of Southern California alum married Viveca Paulin. They share three sons: Magnus, Mattias and Axel.
Deschanel played Buddy’s love interest, Jovie. She then starred in Winter Passing, Failure to Launch, Bridge to Terabithia, 500 Days of Summer, Our Idiot Brother and voiced Bridget in the Trolls movies. The California native portrayed Jess Day — and served as an executive producer — on New Girl from 2011 to 2018. She has released six albums with M. Ward as part of the duo She & Him, including 2016’s Christmas Party. Deschanel was nominated for a Grammy in 2011 for “Song Long,” which was featured on the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack. She cofounded the website HelloGiggles with Sophia Rossi in 2015 and cohosted The Celebrity Dating Game with Michael Bolton in 2021. She's set to lend her voice to the 2023 animated film Harold and the Purple Crayon, based on the beloved children's book.
The A Tale of Two Besties coauthor was married to Ben Gibbard from 2009 to 2012 and to Jacob Pechenik from 2015 to 2020. She shares two children, daughter Elsie and son Charlie, with Pechenik. Deschanel has been dating Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott since September 2019. They got engaged in August 2023.
Caan portrayed Buddy’s biological father, Walter. The actor then appeared in Get Smart, Mercy, Blood Ties, Good Enough, JL Ranch, Con Man, Out of the Blue and Queen Bees. The New York native also starred on Las Vegas, Magic City and Back in the Game.
The Godfather star was married four times and had five children. Caan shared daughter Tara with first wife Dee Jay Mathis, whom he split from in 1966 after five years of marriage. He was then married to Shelia Ryan from 1976 to 1977. They welcomed actor son Scott Caan in 1976. The Misery actor shared son Alexander with third wife Ingrid Hajek, whom he was married to from 1990 to 1995. He tied the knot again in 1995 with Linda Stokes, but the pair split in 2009. They shared two children: sons James and Jacob.
The actor died in July 2022 at the age of 82.
The comedian played Buddy’s father, Papa Elf, who raised him in the North Pole. Newhart went on to appear in Horrible Bosses and Five. He had recurring roles on ER, The Librarians, The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. The Illinois native has released eight live albums and two compilation records. He penned a memoir titled I Shouldn’t Even Be Doing This in 2006.
The Newhart alum married Ginny Newhart in 1963. The couple, who share four children, Robert, Courtney, Jennifer and Timothy, were married 60 years before Ginny’s death in April 2023. Bob died in July 2024 at the age of 94.
Asner portrayed Santa, who enlists Buddy’s help to save Christmas. The actor then starred in The Christmas Card, Gigantic, Up, Foodfight!, All of My Heart, Saving Christmas, The Parting Glass, Honor Amongst Men and Senior Entourage. He also appeared on Center of the Universe, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Line, Working Class, The Cleveland Show, The Boondocks, Michael: Every Day, Forgive Me and Dead to Me.
The Mary Tyler Moore alum died in August 2021 at age 91. He is survived by children Matthew, Kate and Liza, whom he shared with ex-wife Nancy Sykes, and son Charles, whom he shared with Carol Jean Vogelman.
Steenburgen played Walter’s wife, Emily. She then appeared in Elvis and Anabelle, The Brave One, Step Brothers, The Proposal, The Help, The Book of Love, Book Club, Happiest Season and Nightmare Alley. She starred on Justified, Joan of Arcadia, The Last Man on Earth, Bless the Harts, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. She also made a cameo appearance on husband Ted Danson's comedy series Mr. Mayor in 2022. Steenburgen reprised her role as Carol in 2023’s Book Club: The Next Chapter. The actress signed a global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group in October 2020 after writing more than 50 songs dating back to 2007.
The Academy Award winning actress was married to Malcolm McDowell from 1980 to 1990. They share two children, Lilly and Charlie. Steenburgen tied the knot with Danson in 1995.
Tay played Buddy’s half brother, Michael. He then appeared in Doogal, Beer League and Brooklyn Rules before taking a step back from acting in 2009. He returned to the entertainment industry in 2017, reprising his role as the voice of Doogal during an episode of AniMat’s Classic Reviews. On his LinkedIn profile, Tay lists time as an actor as ending in May 2019.
The New York native graduated from Yale University in 2014 and spent time as an SAT tutor and bilingual editor. After working as research associate for Columbia University Irving Medical Center from 2020 to 2022 and a Patient Services Volunteer at New York Presbyterian throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Tay started medical school at Cornell University in 2022. He is set to graduate in 2026, his LinkedIn noted as of December 2023.
Love portrayed Buddy’s manager at Gimbel’s who is paranoid about getting fired Buddy secretly decorates the store. He went on to star in Just My Luck, The Perfect Holiday, Days of Wrath, Couples Retreat and Bulletproof 2, Santa Games and The Last Stop in Yuma County. The Cuba-born comedian appeared on The Big House and Step Up: High Water and was one of the stars on Real Husbands of Hollywood in 2016. He released three albums from his time on tour, including 2020’s Live From Portland.
Dinklage played an associate of Walter named Miles Finch, whom Buddy called an angry elf. Dinklage then appeared in Fortunes, Penelope, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, A Little Bit of Heaven, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Cyrano and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. He starred on Threshold and Nip/Tuck before landing the role of Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones, which ran from 2011 to 2019. In 2024, he starred in Unfrosted, The Thicket, Brothers and Wicked.
Dinklage’s producer credits include I Think We’re Alone Now, American Dreamer and the series How to Become a Tyrant. In addition to producing the 2022 dark comedy, the HBO alum also starred in American Dreamer. He also voiced a one-off character on Rick and Morty that same year.
The four-time Emmy winning actor married Erica Schmidt in 2005.
In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, Billingsley — best known for his portrayal of Ralphie Parker in the holiday classic A Christmas Story — portrays the head elf in Santa's Workshop at the beginning of the film. The reason for his brief cameo? He co-produced the movie. The actor once again made headlines in November 2022 with the release of A Christmas Story Christmas, which he co-produced and starred in, reprising his beloved role of Ralphie.
Ethan Slater and wife Lilly Jay’s relationship spanned more than a decade before they parted ways — and he began seeing Wicked costar Ariana Grande.
The Broadway star — who is best known for playing SpongeBob SquarePants in the musical by the same name — found love with Jay in 2012. The twosome proceeded to make a life for themselves in New York City two years later.
Their romance culminated in saying “I do” in fall 2018. “Two years into marriage and we still find each other funny. Phew,” Slater wrote via Instagram in November 2020, sharing a rare photo from the pair’s nuptials. “Happy anniversary to the love of my life.”
While Slater and Jay appeared to be going strong in fall 2022 — they welcomed a baby boy that same year — by summer of the next year, they were no longer together.
In July 2023, Slater and Grande — who married Dalton Gomez in May 2021 — sparked romance speculation after getting close during their U.K. filming of the Wicked movie beginning in early 2023.
“Ariana and Ethan are dating; however things are fairly new. Ariana and Dalton split in January, and Ethan is separated from his wife,” a source told Us Weekly at the time. “Ariana and Ethan have only recently begun seeing each other but they have a lot of fun together and are enjoying each other’s company.”
Scroll down for Slater and estranged wife Jay’s relationship timeline from the beginning:
2012
Slater and Jay, who were high school sweethearts, began their romance.
Jay was by Slater’s side when he attended the 2018 Tony Awards following his nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for SpongeBob SquarePants.
November 2018
The twosome got married after six years of dating.
November 2022
“My best friend. 4 years married, 10 years together,” Slater wrote via Instagram in honor of their anniversary. “And this is easily the best (and most *bizarre*) year yet.”
Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay.
January 2023
Slater confirmed via social media that he and Jay welcomed a baby boy before the new year. “Super vague post, but we have a baby now,” he joked, sharing photos of Jay’s positive pregnancy test from December 2021, and a picture of them pushing a baby stroller in December 2022.
May 2023
“Happy first Mother’s Day to the most loving caring and wonderful mom/person in the world. — from me and this little guy,” Slater captioned a series of snaps via Instagram.
Days later, Us confirmed that Grande, who plays Glinda, and Slater, who was cast as munchkin Boq in the musical-inspired film, are dating in the wake of their respective splits. Neither Grande nor Slater have publicly spoken about their romance nor their recent breakups.
Slater filed for divorce from Jay on July 26. The reason for the split was not listed at the time.
September 2024
On September 12, Us Weekly confirmed that Slater and Jay finalized their divorce and reached a settlement. Details of their docs remained sealed.
In an essay for The Cut titled “How Does My Divorce Make You Feel?,” Jay opened up about how her highly publicized split from Slater affected her.
“No one gets married thinking they’ll get divorced … but I really never thought I would get divorced. Especially not just after giving birth to my first child, and especially not in the shadow of my husband’s new relationship with a celebrity,” she wrote. “Days with my son are sunny. Days when I can’t escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker.”
Slater has since moved on with Grande, celebrating the release of their movie Wicked in November.
Austen Kroll hasn’t always been successful in love, but he does know a thing or two about dating during the holidays.
Kroll, 37, began seeing his current girlfriend, Audrey Pratt, during cuffing season last year. As they celebrate their one-year together, Us Weekly asked the Southern Charm star for his tips for entering — and maintaining — a romance that starts during the cozy months.
Cuffing season a.k.a. the holiday season refers to colder months when it’s desirable to snuggle up to a special someone and be in a romantic relationship. According to Kroll, it’s a total “yes” to start dating a new person during the autumn and winter months.
The reality star does, however, have mixed feelings on whether the new partner should meet one’s parents at the holidays.
Austen Kroll.
“How serious is this partner and how long have you been dating? Have you been dating for longer than three months?” he asked. “Then yes, you can introduce your partner to your family during the holidays.”
When it comes to gift giving in a new relationship, Kroll confessed that it’s “not my love language” so he’s not the best person to ask.
“I’m terrible because I feel like jewelry is such a lame gift, but women love jewelry, right?” he questioned. “I don’t know. … I mean are flowers, like, a lame gift? Yes.” Kroll said when in doubt turn to “girls that are friends” to help find the perfect present.
Although gifts aren’t his area of expertise, Kroll was confident about a few other cuffing season faux pas.
“If you’re on the fence about the relationship, you wait until after Christmas and the new year, probably [to break up],” Kroll told Us. “That would be cruel to break up with somebody right before Christmas.”
He also advised against “calling an ex because you don’t have a date” for a holiday bash, calling it a total “don’t.” If an ex calls you to be their plus one for a festive affair, Kroll said it’s “dealer’s choice.”
However, he aired on the side of caution and reminded Us, “They are an ex for a reason,” so maybe don’t pick up the phone.
No matter what stage of romance you’re experiencing, Kroll said that holiday movie dates or solo views is a must.
“My favorite holiday rom-com to watch by the fire during the holidays at the moment is The Holiday,” he shared. “I’ve seen it two times already this December.”
Southern Charm airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
“He’s a troll,” Madison, 34, said about JT during the Thursday, December 19, episode of the Bravo show. “With JT after hearing what he said about us, I don’t want to associate myself with this guy.”
Madison told friends Craig Conover and his girlfriend, Paige DeSorbo, “You don’t play around with something like that,” vowing to “ring his neck.”
During the December 12 episode of Southern Charm, JT told multiple people that Madison’s husband thought he and Madison hooked up during the group’s trip to Jamaica last season. While Craig, 35, and Shep Rose told JT, “No one thinks that,” JT was adamant that Brett, 38, perceived it that way.
“JT is a friend of mine. Or was. I was his ally. I had his back,” Madison said on the latest episode. “So, the fact that he’s talking about my marriage feels like a slap in the face.”
She also revealed that since Brett was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in fall 2023 — which she announced earlier this season — JT spreading rumors about them hurt even more. (Brett underwent surgery to remove a three-centimeter nodule and is now in remission, but Madison said his recovery has been filled with highs and lows.)
“The last thing that I need is some weasel in the middle of this real-life s—,” Madison told the cameras.
Later in the episode, Madison confronted JT about his allegations. “You made an accusation that my husband thought that you and I were having an affair,” Madison told him during a coffee meet-up.
JT, however, claimed that his words “may have gotten a little bit twisted,” alleging, “I didn’t say we had an affair.”
Madison explained that she felt “blindsided” that he’d speak negatively about her and her marriage since she thought they were friends. “It has never been anything more than that,” she said before throwing shade at her costar. “Sorry, JT, but are f—ing blind? Have you seen my husband? Do you really think for one second, I would have an affair with you?”
JT was taken aback but didn’t let up. He noted that when Madison previously FaceTimed him with Brett to ask about what happened in Jamaica she was “confused.”
“The one time that we called you it was because he said, ‘Wait, who was in your room late at night?’ I said, ‘Well, a bunch of people came back to my room,’” Madison recalled telling JT, “It was never just me and you.”
The hairstylist, who married Brett in November 2022, told the cameras that her spouse is “not a jealous person.” However, since Madison called him every night except one on the trip, he had her call JT to clarify what transpired that evening.
“I think Brett was just trying to confirm that it wasn’t me and [my ex] Austen [Kroll] hanging out drinking red wine, eating McDonalds in the bed,” Madison revealed.
JT noted that he felt “uncomfortable” that Brett and Madison called him together to question him about the getaway. He alleged that after the call, “everything changed” with Madison and their friendship. “You mean girled me,” he claimed, telling Madison that he was left wondering “what did I do wrong?”
Madison, however, didn’t have time for JT or his feelings about the situation. “I think Austen might’ve been right about you this whole entire time. You are not a gentleman,” she declared.
She then mentioned another rumor. “You called Patricia a bitch? You’re the bitch,” Madison said, referring to Craig’s claim that JT used that word to describe Patricia Altschul behind her back.
“What? What are you talking about? I don’t believe that I ever called that woman that word,” JT said in response. He then apologized for not knowing “how to handle” his FaceTime with Madison and Brett.
He concluded by saying he wanted to “leave it there,” saying his and Madison’s drama “doesn’t need to go any further.”
Madison didn’t agree. “You’re unbelievable. I don’t even know why I’m wasting my time speaking to you,” she said before leaving the table.
After leaving JT alone, Madison told the cameras she was done with him. “I’ll be mad at JT until the day I die,” she vowed. “I think it’s starting to hit him that he made a huge mistake. I think he’s just realizing he lost a good friend.”
Southern Charm airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
Craig Conover and Paige DeSorbo are a match made in reality TV heaven — and their quirky romance is why they’re Us’ pick for Bravo’s best couple of 2024.
Craig, 35, has been a fan-favorite on Southern Charm since his 2014 debut and Us Weekly’s love for him has grown almost as much as his pillow empire year after year. (Remember when he famously asked, “What’s wrong with my sewing?” Now he owns Sewing Down South and the pillows are magical.)
Paige, meanwhile, joined Summer House in season 3, which aired in 2019, and has become known for her sassy — and sometimes savage — one-liners. Season 9 hasn’t even premiered and her quip in the trailer about costar Kyle Cooke pretending to be “Diplo” already has Us reeling for more.
While Craig and Paige, who began dating in 2021, have faced split rumors over the course of their romance, Craig has denied there is trouble in paradise. “We’re still together,” he told E! News on December 9, confirming that he and his “chicken,” as he calls Paige, are still going strong despite living in different cities.
Scroll down to see why Paige and Craig are Bravo’s best couple of 2024:
Costumes Aren’t for Casual Conversations
Whenever Craig pops up in the Hamptons to see Paige on Summer House the pair somehow find themselves having serious discussion while wearing the most absurd costumes. Think pirates or flamingos and you’ve got it.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter the topic, Us is just fans of watching Craig explain his conspiracy theories in “end of the world” style costumes or Paige recounting a fight while dressed like a race car driver.
Paige Is Making an Italian Out of Craig
During a February episode of Summer House, Paige revealed that she had to teach Craig about the different types of pasta. She confessed that Craig “Googled, ‘What is rigatoni’ when we were in Italy.” His reason? “He couldn’t remember the shape of it,” Paige said.
Gabby Prescod responded, “That’s not even a niche noodle!” to which Paige replied, “No, it’s not niche!”
Despite Craig’s noodle faux pas, Paige has continued to show him her Italian roots by going to Itay together several times. After their September trip to Capri, Craig shared a series of Instagram photos, including a selfie by the sea, snaps of different pasta dishes and desserts. “I date an Italian,” he captioned the post.
If You’re a Witch, I’m a Witch
Craig and Paige don’t shy away from awkward conversations, in fact they usually add fuel to each other’s fire.
During a March episode Summer House, Paige asked a serious question: “If we were dating for, like, six months and then I told you I believed that I’m a witch, would you stay with me? Or would you break up with me?”
Craig said it “wouldn’t bother” him and he’d actually “think it’s cool.” Paige, however, joked if the roles were reversed, she wouldn’t be down. “If you were a witch, I’d break up with you,” she quipped, to which Craig asked, “Can boys be witches?”
Their Travels Give Us Envy
When they’re not traveling back and forth between Craig’s house in Charleston and Paige’s pad in New York City, the couple are jet setting around the world. Their getaways to Italy are at the top of Us’ envy list, but their trips to St Tropez, France and Aspen, Colorado, this year also made Us jealous.
Craig Isn’t Afraid to Feel All the Feels
Craig has made it clear in the past that he wants to get married and have kids, and while he and Paige aren’t there yet, he’s not afraid to talk about his feelings.
“[We’re] really just not letting the unknown of the future ruin our happiness today,” Craig exclusively told Us in September of his and Paige’s choice to stay long distance. “With our ability to travel and technology, we’re very fortunate to be able to spend half our time in New York and the other half in Charleston. They’re two great places to live.”
He explained that “until we have kids” they don’t have to “pick a place” to put down roots. Craig also noted that he could “go date someone that lived in Charleston” but she “wouldn’t be the right person.”
The reality star added that for now he and Paige are “just kind of enjoying life and seeing where [it goes] and [seeing] what we can do with our careers.”
Distance Makes Their Hearts Grow Fonder
“Craig is my sweet, sweet, sensitive, childlike boyfriend. I have been taking care of him now for two years,” Paige said during the Summer House season 8 premiere, which aired in February. “Currently, we’re still doing long distance. But I feel, like, in a good rhythm now.”
That same month, Paige trolled her boyfriend from afar after he posted a sexy photo at the gym during their time apart. “Did you just post a thirst trap? We will talk when I get home,” she cheekily wrote in the comments section.
They Raised the Bar on Couples Style
Craig had a somewhat preppy southern style when fans first met him, but after dating Paige he has upgraded his look. Paige has always had style, and her fit photos on social media inspire Us on the regular, but her work with Craig has elevated his wardrobe and made him even sexier.
Paige Stands Her Ground on Their Timeline
When Paige called Craig her “friend” and said she thought of him as her “best friend” during an April episode of Summer House, Danielle Olivera grew concerned. Paige, however, stood her ground and said she’s confident he’s The One. “I’m going to marry him but it’s going to be on my own terms,” she declared.
Craig exclusively told Us in September that he’s cool with Paige’s timeline. “It’ll be fun when that time comes,” he said of marriage. “I think the fact that we’ve been able to settle down and just chill has been really nice.”
Homebodies for the Win
“For Paige and I, time spent in the backyard, that’s our quality time,” Craig revealed during a season 10 episode of Southern Charm, which aired in December, referring to his decked out house in Charleston.
He explained, “When we first started dating, we were out and about all the time. We’ve just grown with each other where we’d rather spend the time at home relaxing than out partying. I built this sanctuary for us to be away from the world and be able to relax and connect.”
The one thing the couple doesn’t have yet is a dog, which Craig exclusively told Us in September is a “great idea.” He noted that Paige’s cat, Daphne, “would love a brother.” He gushed, “I’m all about growing our little animal family.”
He’s the Pillow King — And She’s His Queen
In 2023, Paige teamed up with Craig for two Sewing Down South collections that she helped design. “It’s a fun complementary relationship where we’re busy enough that we have our own stuff going on, but we’re always able to support the side projects and stuff,” Craig exclusively told Us in September.
While they haven’t released a third collection this year, Paige has consistently supported her man, which makes Us love them even more.
The couple did, however, add to their cozy and comfortable brand when Craig made an appearance on Paige’s “In Bed With Paige DeSorbo” Amazon Live web series in July. As they sat in bed, Paige grilled Craig on different female beauty products to test his knowledge.
Amy Slaton signed a plea deal after her September arrest, Us Weekly can confirm.
The 1000-Lb. Sisters star, 37, pleaded guilty to “simple possession” in a plea deal submitted to the Crockett County courthouse in Tennessee on Thursday, December 19, according to docs obtained by Us.
She received a suspended sentence of 11 months and 29 days to time served and therefore won’t spend any time behind bars. Slaton will have to pay a $500 fine and attend an alcohol and drug assessment. Additionally, she cannot have any contact with the Tennessee Safari Park.
Slaton’s additional charges of child abuse and child endangerment were dismissed, per the filing.
Slaton was arrested in September after the Crocket County Sheriff’s Department was called about a guest being bit by a camel at the local drive-through zoo.
“Upon arrival, deputies were immediately overtaken by suspicious odors coming from the guest’s vehicle,” the police revealed in the social media statement. (Slaton was reportedly bitten by the animal at the zoo and taken to the ER for medical attention before being taken into custody.)
When police investigated further, they arrested Slaton on “illegal possession of Schedule I, illegal possession of Schedule VI, and two counts of child endangerment,” per the report.
Slaton was also with a man named Brian Scott Lovvorn, who was arrested on the same charges. Her two children, sons Gage, 4, and Glenn, 2, whom she shares with ex-husband Michael Halterman, were also in the car during the incident. (Lovvorn’s case has not yet been resolved.)
Us confirmed at the time that Slaton and Lovvorn were thought to have had mushrooms and marijuana in their possession at the time of their arrests.
After Slaton was taken into custody, the Department of Children and Family Services became involved in the case to make sure her two boys were not harmed or in danger.
Both Slaton and Lovvorn initially pleaded not guilty to the drug possession and child endangerment charges. According to Thursday’s filing, Slaton has since pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.
Amid all her legal drama, Slaton gave fans a glimpse at her home life, sharing photos in October of each of her sons dressed in Halloween pajamas. “2024,” she captioned the social media post.
The following month, Slaton took her boys to “meet Santa” dressed in festive Grinch-themed sweatpants. The kids wore Christmas light-printed beanies that matched their mom’s hat.
Prior to her arrest, Slaton gained fame by starring on TLC’s 1000-Lb. Sisters with sibling Tammy Slaton. The show premiered in 2020 and documented their respective weight-loss journeys and health highs and lows.
Phil Collins will always love playing the drums, but years of rocking and rolling has taken its toll on his hands.
“I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock,” Collins, 73, confessed in the Phil Collins: Drummer First documentary, which was released by Drumeo on Wednesday, December 18.
The musician explained that after playing drums in concert with Genesis for five decades and on solo tours since the ‘80s, it impacted his hands and legs. The strain on his body led Collins to retire from drumming in March 2022 after his last performance with his band Genesis.
“If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything,” he said. “If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack at it.”
“I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles,” Collins continued, noting that not being able to play was “still kind of sinking in a bit.”
The Oscar winner got his first plastic drum at the age of 3, which started it all. Two years later, Collins was playing music for his family. “It was something I could sit at, and I thrashed along to the TV set,” he recalled.
Looking back on his career, Phil’s son Nic Collins said his dad was like many musicians of his time and didn’t think about what drumming would do to his muscles.
“Musicians, people in bands in general had this thought that they were invincible,” Nic, 23, explained. “I think that’s really what it is with my dad is just this kind of sense of you’re a drummer, you’re invincible, you do what you do. But you don’t know it’s gonna take a toll in the long run.”
In 2015, Phil underwent neck surgery that “stemmed from all those years playing drums and bad posture,” according to Nic. Phil also suffers from drop-foot, which is when one of your feet has no sensation. That ailment led to the singer using a cane.
Ahead of Genesis’ reunion, Phil announced that Nic would be taking over for him at the drums because of his health. He remained on as the lead vocalist.
“I’d love to, but you know, I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. So there are certain physical things that get in the way,” Phil told BBC Breakfast in September 2021. “I’m kind of physically challenged a bit which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son.”
Phil hinted at the time that the tour could be his last. “We’re all men of our age, and I think to some extent, I think it probably is putting it to bed,” he teased. “I think, yeah, I think just generally for me, I don’t know if I want to go out on the road anymore.”
Phil joined Genesis in 1970 as the drummer. The band consisted of bassist Mike Rutherford, keyboardist Tony Banks, guitarist Steve Hackett and singer Peter Gabriel. The group went on hiatus in 2000 but reunited in 2006 for the Turn It On Again Tour.
Phil headed out on The Last Domino? Tour with Genesis in September 2021. His last show with the band took place in March 2022 with Nic on the stage with him and his daughter Lily Collins in the crowd.
“Tonight marks the end of an era. To have witnessed this last show was truly the memory of a lifetime and an event I shall hold in my heart forever,” Lily, 35, wrote via Instagram after the show in London.
She continued: “Endlessly grateful doesn’t begin to do it justice. So much love was left on that O2 stage and an even bigger amount shared between an audience who didn’t want it to end. Thank you @genesis_band for the memories, thank you dad for being such an inspiration and thank you @nic_collins for making me the proudest sister there is. 50 years of songs later and still generations more to celebrate you long after this tour has finished…”
Phil shares son Simon, 48, and adopted daughter Joely, 52, with first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, whom he divorced in 1980 after five years of marriage. He shares Lily with Jill Tavelman, whom he was married to from 1984 to 1996. The musicians also shares Nic and son Matthew, 20, with ex-wife Orianne Cevey. The exes were married from 1999 to 2008.
